Russia is reportedly considering a "hybrid attack" against Britain, targeting a drone factory and a missile company as "legal targets," according to a former deputy foreign minister of Russia, Andrei Fedorov. Fedorov, described as a senior adviser to Vladimir Putin, warned that the "highest levels of the Russian government" are contemplating actions such as sabotage or arson rather than an overt military strike that could trigger a NATO response.

Fedorov identified a drone factory owned by the British-Ukrainian firm Ukrspecsystems as a potential target. The company's premises, located near RAF Mildenhall in West Suffolk, were publicly detailed in April along with five other European firms supplying weapons and drones to Ukraine. Fedorov also indicated that the British arms company MBDA, a manufacturer of long-range Storm Shadow missiles, is considered a "legal target" by "many experts in Moscow."

The alleged threats follow recent Russian rhetoric, including statements from Kremlin spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, warning of unpredictable consequences in response to British engagement with Ukraine. These warnings have intensified following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to Kyiv, where he reportedly shared blueprints for Storm Shadow missiles with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"The UK is evil number one," Fedorov stated in an interview, citing anger in Russian society over the use of UK-made drones against Russian oil refineries. He suggested that such actions would be supported by the majority of Russian citizens. However, he maintained that an outright military strike against the NATO member would be avoided due to the potential for a collective military response from the Western alliance.

British officials have dismissed the threats. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting asserted that "reckless rhetoric and attempts at intimidation" from the Kremlin reflect Putin's weakness and that Britain "will not be intimidated." He emphasized that Russian aggression must not be rewarded and that the UK is working to mobilize support for Ukraine.

Western officials have cautioned that Russia may increase hybrid operations across Europe as Ukraine gains ground, while emphasizing Putin's desire to avoid direct confrontation with NATO. The head of the CIA reportedly warned Russia against attacking a NATO country during an unannounced visit to Moscow last week.

This alleged threat comes amid broader Russian hybrid warfare activities. In March 2024, a warehouse in East London used for Ukraine aid was destroyed by arson, attributed to the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Additionally, two men were jailed for arson attacks on properties linked to former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Further heightening tensions, a pro-Kremlin Telegram channel reportedly called for attacks on the Tapa military base in Estonia, which houses approximately 900 British troops. The channel suggested the Baltic region is a convenient target for a "show trial."

Adding another layer to the anti-British campaign, Andrey Lugovoy, an individual convicted in Russia for the poisoning of former security officer Alexander Litvinenko, is reportedly spearheading an anti-UK campaign. Lugovoy, now a Member of Parliament in Russia, plans to hold an exhibition in Moscow titled "Britlag," intended to highlight "colonial crimes."